Take That fans who had been watching the boyband at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton were left scrambling around in their attempts to get back across the Solent last night (Saturday). Cross-Solent operator Red Funnel announced last week that they would run an additional Red Jet sailing from Southampton at 23:45 to accommodate the plethora of fans heading to the home of recently-promoted Southampton FC to watch the gig. However the 1 extra sailing was simply not enough and with the 23:45 sailing at full capacity those waiting to get home had to get the 23:59 hour-long car ferry to East Cowes. Island Echo understands people were queuing out of the door at the Red Jet and Red Funnel terminals on Town Quay. The switch to the vehicle ferry had initially proved an issue for those who needed to get back to Cowes upon their arrival back on the Island because the Floating Bridge was set to finish for the day, but luckily service was extended – a sentiment met by loud cheers from those on board the vehicle ferry. Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen are back at St Mary’s Stadium this evening (Sunday), with it hoped that those getting home back to the Island afterwards have it easier than those who did so the day before. Island Echo has contacted Red Funnel for comment, but at the time of publication no response has been received.
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Bugger that, I’d rather watch a saints game! …. actually, I’m not that desperate
Run extra Ferries when events are on, and reduce Ferry Fares for
Island residents.
Get the problem but not really Redfunell to blame, public transport runs to a timetable not to what customers demand. Those attending Take That could complain that concert should of started earlier or be held on the Island. If so many people needing to get back ? Why didn’t they charter a crossing with Redfunell or other. I want to get home to eg Brightstone after cinema,but bus stops before end of film,why can’t Southern Vectis put on later service for me and friends?. Sorry it was tough,they chose to attend!.
I think the problem there is that with southern vectis, the are many alternatives…
Take your own car, lift from friends or relatives, taxi, walk….
Across the solent from Southampton , there is no alternative to red funnel…
I disagree, the majority of these passengers had already purchased their tickets for the ferry (hence they were on the return leg). Red Funnel should have stopped selling tickets when the number was equal to that provided by the sailings.
Just have a little patience….
After all, it only takes a minute.
Your right mate , just coz red.funnel done the people a good turn they are getting slagged down ,we can’t all be made happy
The crew worked hard to get people home, not management. Someone has already said they knew the number of people that had already booked tickets, but carried on selling tickets and thought they could just put them on the car ferry as an easy way of dealing with the problem. However they then tried to tell booked car passenger’s they would not be allowed on and would have to wait till then next sailing at 05:00. Happy to take the money but not provide the service. Good work though to frontline staff having to deal with this unavoidable problem.
No doubt Red Funnel will sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.
And lessons will be learned.
The consistent problem is that ferries as organised are not suited to current needs. Fixed link has to be considered if modern transport needs are to be met.
You got a spare BILLION or two for that then…
Public transportation on the island is very limiting. Try getting to Heathrow airport for a morning flight it’s almost impossible.
No it’s not, travel up the evening before or go on a later flight that’s what people have done for decades its not rocket science
Yes, it only adds an extra £100 minimum to the cost, plus an additional day off work to be booked.
Why do these peasants and surfs expect us, the wealthy, to give them a real service. The audacity of these people. Time I ask the king to allow us to beat them back into submission like the good old days.
(Look up the history of St George’s Hill)
Just wait for 30 years and they will probably be headlining the isle of wight festival…..